Suspected GPS Jamming Disrupts Plane Carrying EU Chief von der Leyen

Sat Sep 13 2025 10:56:37 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Ursula von der Leyen's flight encountered suspected Russian GPS jamming while landing in Bulgaria, prompting discussions on aviation safety and security amidst rising tensions in the region.

The plane of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was reportedly affected by suspected Russian GPS jamming upon its approach to Bulgaria. While the flight landed safely using paper maps, the incident has raised alarms regarding aviation safety standards in Eastern Europe amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. European officials assert that such disruptions have surged since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, leading to renewed calls for improved defense measures in aviation against external threats.

The navigation system of a plane carrying Ursula von der Leyen was disrupted due to suspected Russian interference, the European Commission has said.

A spokesperson stated that the GPS jamming occurred while the Commission president was approaching southern Bulgaria on Sunday, although she landed safely.

They noted, We have received information from the Bulgarian authorities that they suspect this was due to blatant interference by Russia. The Financial Times reported that von der Leyen's aircraft had to utilize paper maps for navigation upon landing at Plovdiv Airport.

The European Commission condemned the incident, asserting that threats and intimidation are a regular component of Russia's hostile actions, and affirmed its commitment to enhance defense capabilities in support of Ukraine.

Following the event, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius announced plans to deploy additional satellites into low Earth orbit to better detect GPS interference. Meanwhile, Bulgarian officials confirmed that a disruption to the satellite signal affecting the plane's GPS navigation occurred and that alternative landing methods were promptly offered.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the claims as incorrect. Data from the Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority indicated a noticeable increase in GPS incidents, including jamming, since February 2022.

Numerous GPS jamming events have been reported by airlines operating in the Baltic Sea area in recent years, with foreign ministers from Eastern Europe expressing concerns that continued disruptions could lead to catastrophic aviation incidents.

Despite some debate over the seriousness of GPS jamming, with the UK's Civil Aviation Authority suggesting that it does not significantly impair aircraft navigation due to complex systems in place, experts and governments frequently attribute sabotage-like practices to Russia, viewing them as a strategy to sow disorder and undermine regional security.

Keir Giles, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House, remarked that GPS interference has become a constant feature near Russia, significantly disrupting navigation services previously considered secure.

This incident occurred during von der Leyen's visit to Eastern EU nations, where she highlighted the everyday threats posed by Russia.